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" The kids here at Altman really enjoyed the show - we're so glad you could come and share it with us!!"

Kay Graves, Altman School.

David Zalaznick/GateHouse News ServiceHarper Fillman, 2, chases one of dozens of balloons released during the Julie K Noon Years Eve celebration Dec. 31 at Five Points Washington.s Eve celebration Dec. 31 at Five Points Washington.

Families celebrate the 'Noon' Year

Bouncing beach balls, popping bubble wrap and souvenir balloons were the highlights for many at Julie K’s Happy Noon Year Celebration at Five Points in Washington on Dec. 31.

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By Laura Nightengale
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jan. 8, 2013 @ 4:12 pm
Jan 23, 2013 at 12:20 PM

Bouncing beach balls, popping bubble wrap and souvenir balloons were the highlights for many at Julie K’s Happy Noon Year Celebration at Five Points in Washington on Dec. 31.

“My favorite part was getting the balloons,” said Kyrsten Ringel, 4.

After a countdown to the “Noon Year,” hundreds of balloons fell from the rafters onto the crowd of nearly 1,000 as the clock struck midday.

“It’s a fantastic way for parents and grandparents to spend that quality time with their children and ring in the New Year,” said Julie Walker, better known as Julie K.

Young and old sang along in the interactive show, featuring songs about a trip to the zoo, ice cream and loving your family.

“We have her CDs; we know her songs; we sing them in the car,” said Maureen Langholf of Peoria, who brought sons Dylan, 6, and Dominic, 4. “It’s fun just to have a daytime thing for them because they’re in bed by midnight.”

The Dec. 31 celebration marked the third annual event for Walker, who has released three children’s music CDs.

“We love Miss Julie,” Melissa Linthicum of Brimfield said. “This is our fifth show.”

Linthicum’s two daughters, Lexi, 5, and Layni, 3, enjoyed the show and the balloons they were allowed to take home.

Lexi liked the song “Animal Party” best, “because it’s my favorite,” while Layni added, “I just like Miss Julie’s singing.”

While children named the song about trains, the balloons or the bubble wrap as a favorite moment during the celebration, interacting with the little ones is the highlight for the star of the show.

“I enjoy watching the kids’ faces,” Walker said. “We just pull out all the stops (for Noon Years).”

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Julie K. Walker

Julie K Music

Julie K. Walker, better known as “Julie K,” is an entrepreneur, singer/songwriter and award-winning performer and creator of original children's music.As owner and operator of Julie K Music, she entertains children and families with fun, age-appropriate music, and when she's not on stage, she composes and records music, and writes, produces, directs and stars in original theatrical videos.

In 2005, Walker opened Music Together, the music and movement program for young children, on the Peoria riverfront. The business grew from serving 10 families to more than 100 each semester, and she added locations in North Peoria and Morton before selling the business to focus on Julie K Music.

Backed by an infectious smile, Walker is a strong role model, bringing the love of music to children through educational and values-based positive messaging. She is among the area’s most requested performers, having entertained at more than 40 schools, 50 libraries and 25 art fairs and festivals to date.

Walker contributes a significant amount of time and energy to support area nonprofit organizations. She created and performs in the popular “Sunny Day” event, which has raised more than $100,000 for Children’s Hospital of Illinois, as well as her “Noon Year’s Eve” concert. She has volunteered for the Arts and Healing program at Children’s Hospital and numerous events for St. Jude, and her music has helped many children through chemotherapy treatment. She has also assisted Crittenton Centers, ELITE, The Baby Fold, Tazewell Mental Health Association, March of Dimes, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, the Community Cancer Center Foundation and the Junior League of Peoria.

Walker has received numerous national awards and honors, including the Parents Choice Award, the Preferred Choice and CD of the Year awards from Creative Child magazine, Rising Star recognition from the National Parenting Association, and WEEK-TV’s 25 Women in Leadership Award. She was also selected as the opening performer for Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play for the Peoria area in 2014. iBi

http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2013/nov/julie-k-walker

Julie K. Walker

By WEEK Producer

25 Women in Leadership nominee Julie K. Walker can be found on stages across central Illinois entertaining and inspiring children with her music.

Here is her story.

http://www.cinewsnow.com/features/business/women-in-leadership/Julie-K-Walker-221686081.html

Julie K rocks the house for kids AND parents!

What's your idea of an exciting Friday night?

How about a little live music?
How about a little live music, some singing and dancing, clapping and random jumping around?
How about balloons and bubbles?

Wait. Balloons and bubbles? What kind of live music is this?

OK, I confess. Last night, I attended a concert by award-winning children's recording artist Julie K, who was debuting her new CD, "Family Love" at a free event at Peoria Christian School in Peoria.

Julie is an extremely talented local singer, songwriter and performer who children (and adults) absolutely ADORE. Running out onto the stage in hot pink jeans, bright yellow shirt and sequined pink tennis shoes, she had those kids rushing the stage like she was one of the original Beatles.

With a BA in Vocal Performance, Julie recorded her first CD, "A Sunny Day", in 2009, which received the 2010 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product Award, 2010 Parents' Choice Award, the 2010 Creative Child Preferred Choice Award and the Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal. Her second CD, "Animal Party", was the 2011 Creative Child CD of the Year and 2011 Parents' Choice Award winner, among others.

On this night, though, it was all about "Family Love".

Bursting into her first song, "Celebration", she had those kids smiling, laughing, dancing and singing. Of course, the confetti bomb at the end didn't hurt, either.

Julie sang quite a few songs from her new "Family Love" CD, a collection of energetic, fun and meaningful tunes that tell the story of... well, family. She had kids grooving and adults smiling to "Groovy Grandma and Grandpa" (because who doesn't have one of those?) Before launching into "Vacation Destination", she showed photos of her as a child with the paneled station wagon in the background that had most parents there nodding their heads as they waxed nostalgic for the old days. And I have to say my own personal favorite was "Super Mom" - a shout-out to moms that had more than just this gal giving Julie a big thumbs up.

That's the thing. I liked listening to her music. This is the kids' music I wished I had when my children were young. The music that I can enjoy listening to as well - in the car, in the house... over and over and over if need be. She's kind of the anti-Barney, if you will.

Julie's songs are cute, fun and infectious, integrating positive messages that children can understand and adults appreciate, such as believing in yourself, doing your best, and sharing your gifts with others. The kids especially dug the interactive songs, like "Bubbles" (complete with bubble machine) and "Freeze Fun", which is, you guessed it, a song about freezing in place. Talk about working that kid crowd.

The concert was just under an hour long - perfect for a toddler's attention span and a parent's energy level. Julie maintained an upbeat pace to keep the enthusiasm high but not out of control. In fact, most of the kids hung out by the stage dancing, twirling, clapping and singing for the concert's entirety.

Anyone watching Julie on stage can tell she does this because she loves it, and has a true passion for teaching and bringing out the best in children as well as their parents. In fact, she is now offering Julie K's Music Together, family music classes that give families a chance to play, to make music, and to learn about their children's music development. The classes meet once a week for ten weeks consecutively during the school year and once a week for six weeks in the summer at three locations in Peoria and Morton.

I highly encourage parents to get in touch with Julie K - attend a concert, buy the CDs, or sign up for a class. In a world of so many negative images and messages, Julie K is truly a positive influence in a child's development and self-esteem, as well as a great opportunity for parents to connect with their kids through the power of music.

For information on Julie K's upcoming concerts, appearances and music classes, to schedule Julie K to come to your event or location, or to listen to/purchase her CDs, visit her website at www.juliekmusic.com.

Amy,

http://amykennard.blogspot.com/2012/04/julie-k-rocks-house-for-kids-and.html

Just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your Noon Year Eve Celebration at Five Points! My grandchildren were on the edge of their seats the whole time! You have been blessed with an amazing talent--thank you for sharing it with children!

Barb D,

" Julie K. Great performance, all 4 of my children enjoyed the show. Keep inspiring little minds!"

Kevin,

" We had a great time! Thanks for the show! My kids had a blast! My daughter was down in front yelling to you that she wanted on the stage LOL! Apparently we all were having so much fun we missed the big storm outside ha!"

Raine,

"Truman was so excited to see you tonight! He sang to my mom and I the whole way home. You made his day :) Thank you !"

Abby,

Amy,

Emily Easley,

" GREAT concert!!"

Lyndsay,

"Just heard about you yesterday went to my first show tonight. Awesome by the way! We look forward to more music and shows!"

Malinda,

"GREAT show tonight! The energy you bring is amazing!! I love to watch my kids sing and dance with you! Thank you for giving us a good time!"

Jenni,

"Julie - you gave such a fun concert...you have such a God-given talent
and we are all blessed that you shared it with us today!"

Stacy Litersky,
OSF Healthcare

“I have had the opportunity to hear and also to work on many children's music albums during my career. Julie K's new album is different. It's much more than a children's music CD. Artistically speaking, it is a great piece of work that embodies Julie's emotions and life experiences. To me, that's what makes for good music. The moment I heard it, I thought to myself : "Wow, this woman can sing!" I could clearly hear that she has been professionally trained. I thought she must be in theater.”

“This album is a very enjoyable listening experience for people of all ages. Especially, if you have young children, you will want to check it out. It is very well-produced recording, so it sounds excellent too. It's like a ray of sunshine; it brings a smile to your face. Her album, A Sunny Day, is certainly one of the best children's music CDs that I've ever heard and I recommend it highly for anyone who has children and likes good music.”

Steve Fallone,
Mastering Engineer Sterling Sound

“Any parent of young children knows how quickly their kids' musical choices overtake every available CD player. Thanks to Julie K., everyone will be happy! Her jazz-infused melodies are infectious but not annoying when repeated over and over in your car speakers. A Sunny Day will brighten your mood, no matter the age.”

Tara Thomas
Mother of two/TV News Anchor/Mommy Blogger

“Say hey to Julie K, a newcomer on the scene, who hits the musical beach with a blast of fresh air and a batch of upbeat original songs that will nput a hop in your step and a song in your heart. Solid, engaging vocals are the hallmark of this Sunny Day.”

John Wood,
Kidzmusic.com

The CD is awesome and I cant wait to start handing these out to clients!!

Chad Alfano
State Farm Insurance, Select Agent

Awesome Music!! You are so extremely talented, your voice is amazing!!

David LeGrand
Managing Partner
Bloomington Biaggi's

“More than a week after your concert, our daughter was still singing your songs and asking to hear them again! She had a blast!”

Jenny D
Peoria, IL

“We were at the show and you did a wonderful job. My son loved dancing with you and can't wait till you come back. Thanks for coming and sharing your music with us.”

Penny E
Peoria, IL

“Max loves his new Sunny Day CD! What a great album Julie!!”

Katy M
Peoria, IL

Not only did Brody and I enjoy your concert, but my teenage daughter and her 2 friends did also! Thank you for sharing your special gift with our children!!!

Jen C
Peoria, IL

I played Sunny Day as the 1st song in the warm up during the fitness classes that I teach! Everyone loved it!!! GO JULIE K!

Heidi B,
Peoria

It was really fun watching you and all the little ones dancing and doing the motions to the songs along with you! It was just a great way for kids and parents to spend some time together. You have a gift!

Kathy
Peoria

Julie,what a fantastic accomplishment 'countdown to noon years' was!!! It wasfabulous! My girlfriends (and their husbands :) truly enjoyed your performance and I could not get over what an attendance you had! I'm sure you are thrilled :) congratulations!!!!

K Jones,
Metamora, IL

Families celebrate the 'Noon' Year

Read more: http://www.washingtontimesreporter.com/article/20130108/NEWS/130109711/0/SEARCH#ixzz2nnx1asAH

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Julie K. Walker

Julie K. Walker

Julie K rocks the house for kids AND parents!